Athlon II X2 210e vs Core i3-350M

Athlon II X2 210e vs Core i3-350M Performance Spectrum

Athlon II X2 210e

2 / 2

1,089

+0.1%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-350M

2 / 4

1,088

0.0%

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Athlon II X2 210e vs Core i3-350M FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Athlon II X2 210e vs Core i3-350M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Athlon II X2 210e

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $70 less on MSRP ($60 MSRP vs $130 MSRP).
✅Delivers 116.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.1 vs 8.4 PassMark/$ ($60 MSRP vs $130 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i3-350M.

Trade-offs

❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-350M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-350M

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Athlon II X2 210e needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,088 vs 1,089).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.4 vs 18.1 PassMark/$ ($130 MSRP vs $60 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon II X2 210e.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X2 210e better than Core i3-350M?

Yes. Athlon II X2 210e is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Athlon II X2 210e is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X2 210e is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Athlon II X2 210e is the better buy right now. Athlon II X2 210e comes in $70 cheaper on MSRP at $60 MSRP versus $130 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 116.9% better value on MSRP (18.1 vs 8.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-350M is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Athlon II X2 210e vs Core i3-350M Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Athlon II X2 210e

The Athlon II X2 210e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,089 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i3-350M

The Core i3-350M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 0.27 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,088 points. Launch price was $130.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon II X2 210e packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-350M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Athlon II X2 210e versus 0.27 GHz on the Core i3-350M — a 162.4% clock advantage for the Athlon II X2 210e (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Athlon II X2 210e uses the Regor (2009−2013) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-350M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X2 210e scores 1,089 against the Core i3-350M's 1,088 — a 0.1% lead for the Athlon II X2 210e. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X2 210e vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-350M.

Feature	Athlon II X2 210e	Core i3-350M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz+863%	0.27 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+15%	2.26 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Regor (2009−2013)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,089	1,088
Geekbench 6 Single	—	280
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	650

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X2 210e uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-350M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Athlon II X2 210e versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i3-350M — the Athlon II X2 210e supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X2 210e supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon II X2 210e) vs 16 (Core i3-350M) — the Core i3-350M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AM2+,AM3 (Athlon II X2 210e) and HM55,HM57 (Core i3-350M).

Feature	Athlon II X2 210e	Core i3-350M
Socket	AM3	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1333+25%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Athlon II X2 210e) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-350M). The Core i3-350M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Athlon II X2 210e requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-350M targets Entry Laptop. Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 210e rivals Pentium E5300; Core i3-350M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.

Feature	Athlon II X2 210e	Core i3-350M
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	None	Intel HD Graphics
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Entry Laptop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X2 210e was priced at $60, while the Core i3-350M came in at $130. On launch pricing ($60 vs $130), Athlon II X2 210e was $70 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X2 210e delivers 18.1 pts/$ vs 8.4 pts/$ for the Core i3-350M — making the Athlon II X2 210e the 73.8% better value option.

Feature	Athlon II X2 210e	Core i3-350M
MSRP	$60-54%	$130
Performance per Dollar	18.1+115%	8.4
Release Date	2010	2010

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